Umbrella anchoring device

ABSTRACT

An umbrella system that provides stability to an umbrella to prevent it from inversion or damage in strong wind conditions. The umbrella includes guidelines that may be stored in the umbrella handle, and may include a spring stored in the handle for retracting a dispensed length of the guidelines. The guidelines may be secured to the canopy of the umbrella or to the ribs of the umbrella. When the umbrella is in an open position, the guidelines may be extended from the handle to the perimeter of the canopy. The guidelines provide a downward force to the umbrella canopy such that when there are strong winds, the umbrella does not invert due to the guidelines pulling down on the canopy. The guidelines may also be stored within the ribs of the umbrella. Clips may also be used to secure one end of the guidelines to the canopy.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an umbrella. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for securing and stabilizing an umbrella.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional umbrella devices to prevent wind damage use a complicated series of mechanisms, including guidelines and additional ribs under the canopy of the umbrella, to provide further stability. Due to the increased number of components, the weight of the umbrella is increased. As well, with these additional guidelines and ribs under the canopy, there is an increased likelihood of the components being entangled and possible umbrella breakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided an umbrella and system that provides stability to the umbrella to prevent the umbrella from inversion or damage in strong wind conditions. The umbrella includes guidelines that may be stored in the umbrella handle. The guidelines may be secured to the canopy of the umbrella or to the ribs of the umbrella. When the umbrella is in an open position, the guidelines may be extended from the handle or a point on the central rod to the perimeter of the canopy. The guidelines apply a downward force to the umbrella canopy such that when there are strong winds, the umbrella does not invert due to the guidelines pulling down on the canopy. The guidelines may be retractable using one or more spools stored within the handle. The retractable mechanism(s) may include one or more springs, such as a coil spring, stored within the handle. As well, the one or more springs may be positioned in a manner to provide an ergonomic handle design. Additionally, the guidelines may be manually extended or retracted by hand, where the length of the guidelines acts as a limiting factor.

In one embodiment, there is provided an umbrella having a central rod a plurality of ribs pivotably attached to the central rod, said ribs each at an inner end extending to a perimetral end; a flexible canopy mounted to the plurality of ribs; a handle portion attached to a bottom end of the central rod, the handle portion having an internal cavity; and one or more guidelines securable between at least one rib or the canopy and the central rod, wherein the one or more guidelines are stored within the internal cavity of the handle portion.

In another embodiment, there is provided a clip for use with an umbrella. The clip includes a generally flat bottom surface; and a generally flat top surface having a flexible middle section for folding a first half and a second half of the clip together, one or more protrusions on the first half of the clip; one or more openings on the second half of the clip for receiving the one or more protrusions; and a raise surface for forming a recess on the bottom surface.

In an embodiment, there is provided a clip for use with an umbrella, the clip including a generally flat first plate; a generally flat second plate; one or more protrusions on the first plate; and one or more openings on the second plate; wherein the first plate and the second plate are secured to a canopy of the umbrella when the one or more protrusions pierce through the canopy and are received in the one or more openings. The first plate may include a recess for receiving one end of a guideline for securing the guideline to the canopy of the umbrella. The indicia may be displayed on the top surface of the clip. The clip may also include a bottom surface of the first and second plates are covered with an adhesive for bonding the clip to the canopy.

In another embodiment, there is provided a clip for use with an umbrella, the clip including a generally flat first plate; a generally flat second plate; and a securing pin for securing the first plate and the second plate together, wherein the clip is attached to a canopy of the umbrella. The clip of claim 34, wherein the first plate and the second plate are secured together when the securing pin pierces through the first and second plates. The first plate may include a recess for receiving one end of a guideline for securing the guideline to the canopy of the umbrella. The indicia may be displayed on the top surface of the clip. The clip may also include a bottom surface of the first and second plates are covered with an adhesive for bonding the clip to the canopy.

In a further embodiment, there is provided a system for securing an umbrella, the system comprising an umbrella having a canopy; one or more guidelines, a first end of the guidelines securable to an external object; and one or more clips for securing a second end of the one or more guidelines to the canopy of the umbrella. The secured one or more guidelines apply a downward force to the canopy for preventing the canopy from inverting. The system may include a shade screen wherein the shade screen is secured to the umbrella using the second end of the one or more guidelines.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided an umbrella comprising a central rod; a plurality of ribs pivotably attached to the central rod, the plurality of ribs each at an inner end extending to a perimetral end and each rib having an internal cavity; a flexible canopy mounted to the plurality of ribs; and one or more guidelines securable between the perimetral end and the inner end of at least one rib, wherein the one or more guidelines are stored within the internal cavity of the plurality of ribs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion view of a plurality of ribs of the umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion view of a handle of the umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion view of a handle of the umbrella having retractable guidelines, according to a further embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion view of a handle of the umbrella, according to another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion view of a handle of the umbrella having retractable guidelines according to an additional embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6A illustrates a portion view of multiple spools that act as a retractable mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6B illustrates a portion view of a handle of the umbrella having retractable guidelines and coil springs, according to another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6C illustrations a portion view of a handle of the umbrella having manually retractable guidelines, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate portion views of a rib of the umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion view of a handle and central rod of the umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example clip for use with an umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sheath for use with an umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 illustrates a system of using clips with an umbrella, according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 illustrates a portion view of a handle of the umbrella having retractable guidelines, according to a further embodiment of the present application; and

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate positioning of springs within the handle of the umbrella, according to further embodiments of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates to a device that employs guidelines and holding mechanisms to reduce and prevent an umbrella from turning inside out (inverting) or being toppled over due to weather conditions, such as strong winds. As well, the guidelines and holding mechanisms provide stability to the umbrella.

The system of the present application may be incorporated into an umbrella during the manufacturing process or may be an accessory applied to an existing manufactured umbrella. The system is intended to be used when the umbrella is in an open position; that is when the canopy of the umbrella is open and completely extended.

In a first embodiment, an umbrella is manufactured that incorporates the umbrella system of the present application. FIG. 1 illustrates an umbrella 100 according to one embodiment of the present application. The umbrella 100 includes a central rod 102 and a plurality of ribs 104 that are pivotally mounted to the central rod 102. The plurality of ribs 104 are moveable between a closed position and an open position. The plurality of ribs 104 have an inner end and extend to a perimetral end. A canopy 106 is mounted or otherwise attached to the plurality of ribs 104. The canopy 106 may be made of a fabric, such as a rain repellent material and/or an ultraviolet (UV) protective material. The canopy 106 provides protection from rain or sun when a user is positioned underneath the canopy 106. Attached to the plurality of ribs 104 may be a plurality of stretchers (not shown) that stretch open the canopy 106 when the umbrella 100 is in an open position. At the external end of the plurality of ribs 104, there may be an end component 108. The top end of the central rod 102 may have a cap (not shown) to secure the canopy 106 and the plurality of ribs 104 on the central rod 102. As well, the bottom end of the central rod 102 has a handle 110. The handle 110 permits a user to hold the umbrella while in use.

In order to prevent the umbrella 100 from inverting in strong wind, the umbrella 100 also includes guidelines 120. The guidelines 120 may be a cord, string, strap, belt or other material with a tensile strength sufficient to withstand strong winds. As well, the guidelines 120 may be flexible and/or elastic.

In one embodiment, the guidelines 120 are stored and fixed (anchored) in the handle 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 110 may include an internal cavity that stores the guidelines 120. The guidelines 120 stored in the cavity may be accessed with a flip open cap 310 attached to the bottom of the handle 110. In other embodiments, the guidelines 120 may be accessed with a cap (not shown) that may be threadably interconnected with the handle 110.

The guidelines 120 stored within the handle 110 are attached at one end to the handle 110 within the cavity. The other end of the guidelines 120 may have ring 320 or a loop 330. When the umbrella 100 is in an open position, the guidelines 120 may be extended from the handle 110 to one or more ends of the plurality of ribs 104, and may be secured by attaching the ring 320 or loop 330 to the end component 108 located at the outer end of the ribs 104. When the guidelines 120 are used, that is extended and secured, the umbrella 100, particularly, the canopy 106, will not invert when exposed to strong winds.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion view 200 of the plurality of ribs 104. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of ribs 104 may have a hook 210 formed along a length of the rib near the outer end of the rib. In some embodiments, the ring 320 or loop 330 of the guidelines 120 may be secured to the hook 210 on the plurality of ribs 104 instead of the ends of the ribs 104. In other embodiments, instead of a hook 210, the plurality of ribs 104 have a pocket, loop, clips or rings formed at the outer end of the ribs to secure the guidelines 120 to the ribs.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the handle 510 may have a cut-out portion or groove 520 that may receive and direct the guidelines (not shown) being extended from the handle 510. The cut-out portion 520 prevents movement of the guidelines along the bottom of the handle 510 and prevents the guidelines from becoming entangled.

In another embodiment, the guidelines 120 may be retractably stored in the handle 110. As shown in FIG. 6, the handle 610 stores the guidelines 630, and the handle 610 also contains a spring 660 (may also be referred to as a spool). The guidelines 630 are secured at one end to the spring 660 and the length of the guidelines are wound around the spring 660. The other end of the guidelines 630 may be passed through openings 650 located along the top of the handle 610. The other end of the guidelines 630 have a ring or loop 640 that may be secured to a hook (not shown) along the length of the plurality of ribs or secured to the end component of the plurality of ribs. In use, the spring 660 provides a mechanism for the guidelines 630 to be retractably pulled so that they may be secured along the plurality of ribs, providing support for the umbrella 600 to prevent inversion. When the guidelines 630 are no longer required to provide stability to the umbrella, or the user wishes to place the umbrella in a closed position, the user may detach the ring or loop 640 of the guidelines 630 from the plurality of ribs. Due to the spring 660 in the handle 610, once the user detaches the end of the guidelines 630 from the ribs, the length of the guidelines 630 are retracted into the handle 610. As the guidelines 630 are retractable into the handle 610, they are easy to use for a user of the umbrella. As well, since the guidelines 630 retract into the handle 610, the guidelines 630 will not become entangled when they are not in use. The spring 660 may be a constant-force spring that exerts a constant force over its range of motion. For example, the spring 660 may be a tightly coiled flat metal spring, where the spring is relaxed when fully coiled.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 6A, instead of a single spool 660, there is provided multiple spools 672, 674, 676, 678 stored in the handle 610 that act as retractable mechanisms. The multiple spools 672, 674, 676, 678 may be aligned in a row, with each spool dispensing one guideline 630.

As well, other spring designs may be used to act as retractable mechanisms for the guidelines 630. As shown in FIG. 6B, there is provided two coil springs 680, 682 stored in the handle 610. Each guideline 630 may be secured at one end to one of the coil springs 680, 682, in a one-to-one relationship. In other embodiments, there may be more than two coil springs stored in the handle 610.

In a further embodiment as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C, there is provided multiple ways of positioning the retractable springs within the umbrella handle to provide an ergonomic handle design. More particularly, varying the placement and positioning of the retractable springs in the handle may increase or decrease the handle diameter, making it easier for a user to hold the umbrella.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A, there is an umbrella handle 1302 with one end of the guidelines 1304 accessible through openings 1303 on the top of the handle 1302. The guidelines 1304 are secured at a second end to retractable springs 1308, 1310, 1312, 1314 stored within the handle 1302. As shown in FIG. 13A, the retractable springs 1308, 1310, 1312, 1314 are positioned within the handle 1302 are varying heights, for example with spring 1314 located near the bottom of the handle 1302 and spring 1308 located near the top of the handle 1302. As well, the springs 1308, 1310, 1312, 1314 may be positioned at different locations along the interior diameter of the handle 1302.

As shown in FIG. 13B, the retractable springs 1320, 1322, 1324, 1326 are stacked on top of each other in the handle 1318. By positioning the retractable springs 1320, 1322, 1324, 1326 in a stack, the diameter of the handle 1318 may be reduced, providing an ergonomically optimized handle. As well, as seen in FIG. 13B, in some embodiments the second end of guidelines 1304 are attached to each retractable spring 1320, 1322, 1324, 1326 at different locations on the springs. For example, one guideline is attached to spring 1326 at securing point 1336, which is located on a left side (relative to the figure) of the spring 1326, and another guidelines is attached to spring 1324 at securing point 1334, located on a right side (relative to the figure) of the spring 1324. This ensures that the guidelines 1304 do not entangle within the handle 1302 during extension and retraction.

In another positioning design, as shown in FIG. 13C, the retractable springs 1360, 1362, 1364, 1366 are located in a bottom portion 1351 of the handle 1350. The extended portion 1352 of the handle 1350, which may be used by a user to hold the umbrella, has a reduced diameter compared to the bottom portion 1351. This ergonomic design ensures the extended portion 1352 is of a diameter that is comfortable for a user to grip, while the bottom portion 1351 of the handle is larger in diameter to house the retractable springs 1360, 1362, 1364, 1366. As seen in FIG. 13C, the guidelines 1304 extend from the springs at one end, through the extended portion 1352 of the handle 1350, and the second end of the guidelines 1304 are accessible at the top of the handle 1350 through openings 1355.

In an additional embodiment, as seen in FIG. 6C, the guidelines 630 stored within the handle 610 are manually accessed and retracted by a user. In this example embodiment, there are no springs attached to the guidelines 630 and/or stored in the handle 610. One end of the guidelines 630 having a loop 640 is accessible from an opening 650 at the top of the handle 610 of the umbrella. The guidelines 630 may be extended by hand to attach the loop 640 to one of the plurality of ribs of the umbrella. The extension of the guidelines 630 is limited by the length of the guidelines 630. The bottom of the handle may include a cap 690, such as a flip open cap or a threadably connected cap, for access to the second end of the guidelines 630. To retract the guidelines 630, a user may open the cap 690 and retract (or pull) any extended guidelines 630 such that only the loop 640 is exposed from the openings on the top of the handle. The remaining length of the guidelines 630 upon retraction is stored within the cavity of the handle 610.

A further embodiment of retractable guidelines stored in the umbrella handle is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the guidelines are stored within the handle 410. As well, one or more springs may be stored in the handle 410 However, the openings 420 in the handle are located along the sides of the handle. A ring or loop 430 that is attached to one end of the guidelines is exposed outside the handle 410. The guidelines may be retractably pulled to attach the ring or loop 430 to the plurality of ribs.

In an additional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the retractable guidelines 1202 are stored in a cavity of the umbrella handle 1204 and are accessed through openings 1206 located along the central rod 1208 of the umbrella. As in other embodiments, the end of the guidelines 1202 accessible through the openings 1206 has a ring or loop 1210 for attached to the plurality of ribs or other portion of the canopy of the umbrella. Although the openings 1206 are shown near the bottom of the central rod 1208 near the handle 1204, the openings 1206 may be located anywhere along the length of the central rod 1208. This embodiment may be used for personal umbrellas as well as large sun umbrellas and commercial market umbrellas.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 7A, the guidelines 750 may be extended and secured with clips, loops or hooks 760 along a substantial portion of the length of the plurality of ribs 770. For example, the guidelines 750 extended from the handle may be secured to a clip or hook 760 located near the centre of the umbrella and also then secured to a second hook located near the perimeter of the umbrella. In this way, the guidelines 750 do not interfere with a user who is positioned underneath the umbrella.

The umbrella, in some embodiments described, is secured using guidelines with a bottom to top design. For example, guidelines may be extended from the handle of the umbrella (i.e., the bottom) and directed to the plurality of ribs of the umbrella (i.e., the top). This design stabilizes the umbrella and prevents the umbrella from inverting in windy conditions as the guidelines attached to the plurality of ribs apply a downward force on the canopy of the umbrella.

As previously discussed, the umbrella is in an open position prior to extending and securing the guidelines. In use, a user may extend and secure as many or as little guidelines as required depending on the environmental conditions. For example, if there is wind at a low speed, the user may extend and secure only one guideline to one of the plurality of ribs of the umbrella. If there is a strong wind, the user may extend and secure multiple guidelines to the plurality of ribs to prevent the umbrella from inverting in the strong winds.

In another embodiment, an umbrella is manufactured to store the guidelines within the plurality of ribs of the umbrella. As shown in FIG. 7B, the plurality of ribs 710 form an internal cavity that may store the guidelines 720. The guidelines 720 may be accessed from the perimeter end of the plurality of ribs 710. The guidelines 720 may have a loop on the end accessible from the ends of the plurality of ribs 710. The loop of the guidelines 720 may be attached to a hook formed on an external part of the plurality of ribs 710. In use, when the guidelines 720 are extended from the end of the plurality of ribs and secured to a hook located on an interior portion of the ribs 710, the guidelines 720 apply a downward force on the umbrella canopy so that when there is wind, the canopy does not invert. Alternatively, the guidelines 720 may be extended from the end of the ribs and secured to the umbrella handle (not shown).

In a further embodiment, the umbrella system of the present application may be applied to an umbrella that has already been manufactured. As shown in FIG. 8, guidelines 830 may be attached to the handle 810 or bottom of the central rod 820 using a bracket 840. The bracket 840 may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the central rod 820 or handle 810. In one embodiment, the bracket 840 is formed on a ring 860 and the ring is attached around the bottom of the central rod 820. The bracket 840 has an opening to receive the guidelines 830. One end of the guidelines 830 may be knotted 835 to fully secure the guideline 830 with the bracket 840. As shown in FIG. 8, the bracket 840 secures and anchors one end of the guidelines to the base of central rod near the handle.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, a sheath 1010 or a tapered holding ring may be used to anchor and secure one end of the guidelines to the base of the umbrella. The sheath 1010 may have attachment points 1020 that secure one end of the guidelines. In use, the sheath 1010 may act as a cover and be placed over the handle of the umbrella while securing the guidelines to the umbrella.

As well, a hook, loop or ring may be attached to the plurality of ribs of an existing umbrella. The guidelines 830 at the second end may be attached using the hook, loop or ring to the outside perimeter of the outer ends of a multiple of the umbrella's plurality of ribs.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example clip that may be attached to the canopy of the umbrella to secure one end of the guidelines. FIG. 9A shows the clip 900 in an open position. The clip 900 includes a first half 905 and a second half 906, where the first and second halves 905, 906 are divided by a middle section 950 that is flexible to fold. As well, the clip 900 has a top surface 980 and a bottom surface 990. The bottom surface 990 is generally flat with a recess portion 909 extending along the length of the clip. On the top surface 980, the clip 900 is generally flat with a raised portion 910 extending along the length of the clip 900 that forms the recess portion 909. As well, on the top surface 980 the clip may include one or more protrusions 930 on one half and corresponding openings 920 on the other half of the clip.

FIG. 9B shows the clip 900 in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 9B, the corresponding openings 920 receive the protrusions 930 when the clip 900 is folded along the middle section 950 to a closed position. The clips 900 may be made of metal, plastic or fabric. The protrusions 930 may be, for example, a hook and the corresponding openings 920 may utilize an eyelet. As well, the clips 900 may be of varying sizes, for example the size of the clips may be dependent on the size of the guidelines or umbrella.

Clips 900 may be used with any umbrella, including umbrellas already manufactured. The clip 900 may be used to secure one end of a guideline to the perimeter of the canopy of the umbrella. For example, one end of a guideline may be placed through opening 970 that is located along the middle section 950 of the clip. The one end of the guideline may be tied to form a knot on the top surface 980 of the clip. The bottom surface 990 of the first half 905 of the clip 900, with the end of the guideline being received in recess portion 909, may be placed against the underneath surface of the canopy at a position on the perimeter. The clip 900 may then be folded along the middle section 950 to a closed position, where the bottom surface 990 of the second half 906 is placed against the top surface of the canopy. The clip 900, with the end of the guideline contained within the recess portion 909 is secured with the protrusions 930 piercing the canopy fabric and being received into the corresponding openings 920. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 990 of the clip has an adhesive to further secure the clip to the surfaces of the canopy.

In other embodiments (not shown), there is provided a two piece clip, including a first generally flat plate and a second generally flat plate. In use, the first plate and the second plate may be snapped together, with the canopy in between, using protrusions and recesses such as those described previously. As well, the two plates may be secured together using an adhesive for bonding the clip to the canopy. In another embodiment (not shown), there is provided a three piece clip that includes a first generally flat plate, a second generally flat plate, and a securing mechanism for securing the first and second plate together. The securing mechanism may be, for example, a pin that pierces through the first plate, the canopy and the second plate to secure the first and second plates to the canopy.

In some embodiments, indicia or other markings may be applied to the top surface 980 of the clips 900. For example, advertisements, corporate logos or trade-marks may be applied to the top surface 980 of the clips 900 such that when the clips are in use on an umbrella, the markings are viewable to individuals nearby looking at the umbrella. The indicia may be applied to the clips 900 during manufacturing or may be applied subsequently. For example, indicia may be applied using an adhesive. Alternatively, the clips 900 may have protrusions that may receive and secure an indicia component onto the top surface of the clip 900.

In a further embodiment, the clips 900 may be used on large umbrellas that are used in restaurants, markets, or beaches to block rain or sun. As shown in FIG. 11, there is an umbrella 1105 having a canopy 1110 and a central rod 1120. Guidelines 1130 may be attached at one end to the outside perimeter of the umbrella using clips 1140 and are anchored at the other end by external objects 1150, such as for example a beach weight, a rock or a tree. The guidelines 1130 are easily adjustable to accommodate changing weather conditions.

As shown in FIG. 11, the guidelines 1130 may also be used with a sun shade screen 1160 or a wind screen 1160. The sun or wind screen 1160 provides additional protection from the environmental conditions. The sun or wind screen 1160 may have one or more openings 1170 for receiving the end of the guidelines 1130. In use, one end of the guidelines 1130 may be secured to the sun or wind screen 1160 using clips 1140 and the other end of the guidelines 1130 being secured to the umbrella 1105 or an external object 1150, thereby providing support for the sun or wind screen 1160 in windy conditions.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. 

1. An umbrella comprising: a central rod; a plurality of ribs pivotably attached to the central rod, said ribs each at an inner end extending to a perimetral end; a flexible canopy mounted to the plurality of ribs; a handle portion attached to a bottom end of the central rod, the handle portion having an internal cavity; and one or more guidelines securable between at least one rib or the canopy and the central rod, wherein the one or more guidelines are stored within the internal cavity of the handle portion.
 2. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the one or more guidelines are securable between the perimetral end of at least one of the ribs and the handle portion.
 3. The umbrella of claim 1, further comprising: at least one spring stored within the internal cavity of the handle portion for retracting a dispensed length of the one or more guidelines.
 4. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein the at least one spring is a constant force spring.
 5. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the handle portion has one or more openings along a side surface for accessing the one or more guidelines.
 6. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the handle portion has one or more openings on a top surface for accessing the one or more guidelines.
 7. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the handle portion has one or more openings on a bottom surface for accessing the one or more guidelines.
 8. The umbrella of claim 7, wherein the handle portion has one or more recesses along the bottom handle edge for receiving and directing the one or more guidelines extended from the bottom of the handle portion.
 9. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the handle portion has a flip open cap for accessing the one or more guidelines.
 10. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the one or more guidelines are secured at one end to the handle portion in the internal cavity.
 11. The umbrella of claim 10, wherein the one or more guidelines have a loop at a second end.
 12. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the loop of the one or more guidelines is secured to the perimetral end of one of the plurality of ribs.
 13. The umbrella of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ribs have a protrusion formed therein near the perimetral end, and wherein the loop of the one or more guidelines is secured to the protrusion.
 14. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the one or more guidelines apply a downward force to the canopy for preventing the canopy from inverting.
 15. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein the at least one spring is a coil spring.
 16. The umbrella of claim 1, wherein the central rod has one or more openings along a side surface for accessing the one or more guidelines.
 17. The umbrella of claim 3, comprising two or more springs, wherein the two or more springs are stacked on top of each other in the internal cavity of the handle portion.
 18. The umbrella of claim 3, wherein the internal cavity is located at the bottom of the handle portion, and wherein two or more springs are stored in the bottom of the handle portion.
 19. The umbrella of claim 3, comprising two or more springs, wherein the two or more springs are positioned at different heights in the internal cavity of the handle portion.
 20. A clip for use with an umbrella, the clip comprising: a generally flat bottom surface; and a generally flat top surface having: a flexible middle section for folding a first half and a second half of the clip together; one or more protrusions on the first half of the clip; one or more openings on the second half of the clip for receiving the one or more protrusions; and a raised surface for forming a recess on the bottom surface.
 21. The clip of claim 20, wherein the clip is attached to a canopy of the umbrella.
 22. The clip of claim 20, wherein the recess receives one end of a guideline for securing the guideline to the canopy of the umbrella.
 23. The clip of claim 20, wherein indicia is displayed on the top surface of the clip.
 24. The clip of claim 20, wherein the bottom surface is covered with an adhesive for bonding the clip to the canopy.
 25. An umbrella comprising: a central rod; a plurality of ribs pivotably attached to the central rod, the plurality of ribs each at an inner end extending to a perimetral end and each rib having an internal cavity; a flexible canopy mounted to the plurality of ribs; and one or more guidelines securable between the perimetral end and the inner end of at least one rib, wherein the one or more guidelines are stored within the internal cavity of the plurality of ribs.
 26. The umbrella of claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of ribs has an opening at an external end for accessing the one or more guidelines.
 27. The umbrella of claim 25, wherein the one or more guidelines have a loop at one end accessible from the opening of the plurality of ribs.
 28. The umbrella of claim 27, wherein the plurality of ribs have a protrusion formed near the inner end, and wherein the loop of the one or more guidelines is secured to the protrusion.
 29. The umbrella of claim 28, wherein the one or more guidelines apply a downward force to the canopy for preventing the canopy from inverting. 